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For additional information and a list of all the maps/guides published by Bella Terra, visit www.bellaterramaps.com.

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Crucial to the early development and growth of the United States was its ability to move passengers and essential goods on a network of railways and on boats that plied inland waterways, coastal oceans and gulf areas.

America's transportation history is fascinating for many because it harkens to a distant time -- long before automobiles, trucks and airplanes became popular modes of travel and transport, said Eric Riback, president of Bella Terra Publishing of Rhinebeck, N.Y.

And for those who are drawn to the beauty and lore of America's lighthouses, which made maritime expansion possible, or its vintage railroads, Riback and his entrepreneur wife, Bella Stander, are publishing a line of fun and fascinating fold-out brochures that can make both local and distant exploration a joy for history aficionados, boaters and sightseers.

Riback and Stander (she's a writer, book publicity consultant and speaker) founded Bella Terra about five years ago, after Stander asked her husband a simple question: If you could open your own business, what would it be?

"Both of us have been involved in publishing for years, either on the editorial or business sides. And so my response was `map publishing,' " Riback said. And so they bought a going company, enlarged upon it and renamed it.

Stander said she initially envisioned that her role with the new company would require a few hours every week. But when she decided to research lighthouses, it became an all-encompassing commitment. At the same time, Riback submerged himself in the history and lore of the railroads.

"If you asked me a few years ago if trains were a passion, I don't think I would have said `yes.' But I grew up in New York City, and we rode trains all the time, especially on pleasure rides. My mother's family lived in New Haven, and I always loved taking the train to visit.

"Vintage railroads are so popular because they carry with them so many personal memories -- for adults and seniors. And for children, it's an opportunity to experience something different," Riback said.

Researching all the rail museums took a lot of digging and a year's worth of research, he said, because "Many of these organizations are run by volunteers, and they don't have a Web presence." Getting the information on "whomever has the keys" (and is running the operation) often turned out to be quite the challenge.

As for Stander, before she began her arduous research, her understanding of a "lighthouse ... was a house with a light on it."

"I realize now how indispensable lighthouses have been to commerce and communities" throughout American history. This she learned by "vetting each of the more than 750 lighthouses personally" by reviewing sailing manuals, U.S. Treasury reports, 19th-century newspapers, Civil War accounts, aerial maps and a host of other sources.

"I think in some circles I might be thought of as a lighthouse expert, while true aficionados might think of me as a dilettante," she added, laughing.

Weighing only a few ounces each, the folded brochures are 6-inches wide by 9 3/4-inches long, a size that is handy for travel. Each is $9.95.

While there are plenty of railroad enthusiasts and lighthouse-lovers who will find these guides invaluable, they're also designed to be of "general interest," for those planning outings, trips and jaunts with family and friends. Plus, the guides/maps have plenty of fascinating facts.

Riback said that not many would know, for example, that Michigan has the largest number of lighthouses in the country: 130. Runner-up is New York with 83, followed by Maine with 69. Connecticut has 20, Massachusetts 60 and Rhode Island 21. Arizona may be landlocked (with plenty of deserts), but it also has lots of lakes -- and 19 lighthouses.

He pointed out that to help mariners easily find their locations and avoid running aground, each lighthouse has a unique design (with distinctive colors, sizes and shapes) for easy spotting during daylight; and each has different light-signal patterns so that they may be differentiated in the dark.

When it comes to railway attractions, Riback noted that Connecticut boasts several, including those in Kent, Willimantic, Windsor, Danbury, Essex, Gaylordsville, Thomaston, Wallingford, East Haven and South Norwalk.